Gradings

Timetable

Gradings for kyu grades take place every three months on the second Monday and Wednesday of each quarter (March, June, September and December). Dan gradings are by special arrangement.

The Monday is mainly concerned with fitness and basics whereas the Wednesday is taken up by technique (katas and bunkai particularly).

Prerequisites

You may request to be graded but will only be allowed to do so if it is felt you are in a position to achieve the grade you are attempting.

There is also a mandatory attendance record:

  • 9th Kyu to 3rd Kyu (inclusive), a minimum of three months and thirteen attendances between each grading is required.
  • 3rd Kyu to 1st Kyu (inclusive), a minimum of six months and twenty six attendances between each grading is required.
  • 1st Dan, a minimum period of 1 year.
  • 2nd Dan, a minimum period of 2 years.
  • 3rd Dan, a minimum period of 3 years
  • And so on

Note that the grade awarded is at the examiners’ discretion: You may jump 1 or 2 grades jump depending on how you perform and your knowledge of the syllabus and commitment.

Key requirements

White Belt – 10th kyu Beginner – No requirements
Red Belt – 9th kyu Basic stances
Basic punches
Basic blocks
Key Japanese terms including counting to 10
Yellow Belt – 8th kyu As above plus
Gekisai dai ichi kata
Orange Belt – 7th kyu As above plus
Gekisai dai ni kata
Bunkai of Gekasai dai ichi
Green Belt – 6th kyu As above plus
Sanchin kata
Bunkai of Gekasai dai ni
Self-defence from 5 attack scenarios
Blue Belt – 5th kyu As above plus
Saifa kata.
Purple Belt – 4th kyu As above plus
Bunkai of Saifa
Brown Belt – 3rd kyu As above plus
Seiyunchin kata
Light sparring
Brown Belt (1 tab) – 2nd kyu As above plus
Bunkai of Seiyunchin
Brown Belt (2 tabs) – 1st kyu As above plus
Shisochin kata
Black Belt – 1st dan As above plus
Bunkai of Shisochin
Tensho kata
Full power testing of Sanchin

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